Tap water in Thailand is not suitable for consumption without proper treatment.
Thailand’s municipal water is treated but often recontaminated during delivery due to aging pipes or rooftop storage. Boiling or filtering is common practice among locals.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
Verified through CDC and WHO data, along with reports from municipal water services.
Health Risks for Travelers
Even if the tap water is safe for residents, foreign travelers often face higher health risks due to exposure to unfamiliar organisms and differing hygiene standards.
You may be exposed to:
- Bacteria like E. coli, causing traveler’s diarrhea
- Parasites such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, from untreated or contaminated water sources
- Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A, spread through unclean water systems
- In some countries, chemical toxins from old pipes or agricultural runoff
Contamination is most common in:
- Regions without consistent municipal treatment
- Areas impacted by seasonal flooding or unreliable sanitation
- Buildings with aging infrastructure or poorly maintained tanks
Remember: clear water isn’t always safe water. Invisible contaminants can still cause serious issues, from mild digestive discomfort to prolonged illness.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Thailand, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
We’ve evaluated the best filter bottles for travelers using real user reviews, lab data, and product performance. They’re ideal for staying healthy, limiting plastic use, and avoiding daily bottled water expenses—and if you want to bring one on your next trip, you’ll find our trusted picks listed below.
More About Tap Water in Thailand
Tap water quality in Thailand varies by region. In Bangkok, water meets health standards, but many people don’t trust it due to concerns about old pipes and chlorine residue. In rural areas, tap water is often of lower quality, and people typically boil it or use filters. There are also concerns about mycobacteria in tap and shower water.
FAQs About Tap Water in Thailand
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Using tap water to brush your teeth could expose you to local bacteria your body isn’t used to—better to be cautious.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
For basic hygiene like washing your face, tap water is usually fine—just don’t rinse your mouth with it.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Ice can carry the same risks as drinking the water directly, so only use it if you’re sure it’s safe.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Unless you have open cuts or very sensitive skin, you can shower normally in Thailand.
Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A small shower filter is easy to pack and can make a big difference for your skin and hair. Just make sure the shower has a standard connection point—some are built in and can’t be modified. Most travelers recommend this travel-friendly filter. Check today’s best price here.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
If you’re eating fresh produce, it’s a good idea to wash it with bottled water to reduce health risks.
Is bottled water expensive in Thailand?
Compared to the risk of getting sick, bottled water is a cheap and worthwhile expense.
Thailand is often the hub of Southeast Asia travel, frequently combined with overland trips to Laos or Cambodia. Be sure to check tap water access in each destination.